Freshwater fish

Lamprey

Lamprey. Photo copyright: Stephen Moore. DOC USE ONLY.
Lamprey

Lamprey juveniles (ammocoetes) live in burrows in silty river edges and migrate out to sea after 4-5 years. Whilst at sea, the lamprey are parasites on marine life until, after another 4-5 years they migrate back up streams to breed and die. Maori consider lamprey or piharau to be a delicacy. They are threatened fish.

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Publications

New Zealand's native freshwater fish factsheet (PDF, 195K)
New Zealand large galaxiid recovery plan (PDF, 980K)
New Zealand non-migratory galaxiid fishes recovery plan (PDF, 162K)

Learn more

Find out about the biology of whitebait and whitebait identification

Journey Up the Creek A bilingual website for students follows a trip up the creek to show how fresh water supports life.

Freshwater board and card games

Contacts

DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number

Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings

Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai